I think Betty Castor just won the Fla Dem Senate Primary

[King of New Orleans]

She's had the early lead in polling but her opponents (Deutsch and Pinellas) had said she'd be vulnerable in the fall against the Republicans for failing to immediately fire Sami Al-Arian, the USF professor accused of fund raising and politicking for terrorist groups. The issue, which Castor defends by explaining that she suspended him and launched an investigation, is expected to spur television ads trying to link Castor to terrorism.


Well, she's ready for this attack and ready in a big way

http://www.castorfacts.com/alarian.html

Turns out she's got a picture of Al-Arian campaigning with GeeW (for whom Al-Arian was fundraising and politicking--just like he'd be accused of doing for the terrorists). Al-Arian even visited the White House as recently as June 20, 2001



I don't have a horse in this race (aside from wanting a Dem to win) but I'm impressed at how she's ready to slap the crap out of this attack.

[NewJerseyDem]

1. The other two Democrats can't win the primary

Deutsch is just mean and really mean people can't win elections unless they do a good job of hiding it in public and Deutsch hasn't done that. Also, Penelas's role in the 2000 election, or lack thereof, turns him off to most Democrats. So, now he is trying to turn to the left by saying the US should pull its troops out of Iraq. However, that won't work for Penelas because many liberals blame him for not helping out Gore in 2000, which would have helped a lot, and they won't vote for him no matter what he says about Iraq. Also, his new position on the war is likely to turn off moderates. I don't see either Penelas or Deutsch winning the primary because of these reasons and if they do, I think we are in a lot of trouble in the Florida Senate race, partially depending on the GOP nominee. Castor seems like the best choice out of those 3 candidates and she has, so far, done quite well despite these issues with Al-Arian.

A lot will depend on the GOP primary. I think the Democrats should be favored if the GOP nominates McCollum but Martinez or Gallagher would be much tougher opponents.

[2Design]

4. when is fla primary???

[TSIAS]

6. August 31. (n/t)

[TSIAS]

5. GOP primary

Incidentally, the only advertising I've seen so far is from Doug Gallagher and Karen Saull. I wonder when McCollum, Martinez, and Byrd will go through the airwaves.

[Dudley_DUright]

2. Don't do that to me!

I thought I had missed primary election day or something. Of course, I will be voting for Betty in both the primary and hopefully in the general as well.

[TSIAS]

3. I think Castor will win

I believe she'll be the unity candidate that emerges from the primary. Like it or not, Deutch and Penelas have probably drove each other's unfavorables through the roof. I don't think Deutch has the personality to reach voters outside of South Florida. Penelas would be appealing in the general, but I think he'll have a difficult time with Democratic primary voters.

Martinez makes this a very difficult hold for Democrats in November. Castor has the best shot, but nowhere near the chance that Graham would have had.